Castleford Tigers’ new standards are highlighted by an unpopular action by a star player.

In the first preseason game, the Tigers trounced the Keighley Cougars 54-0.

When Paul McShane stopped Jake Webster from scoring in his testimonial match on Sunday, only one person cheered: Craig Lingard, the head coach of the Castleford Tigers. After receiving an offload near the line, the club co-captain stopped the former Tigers favourite from crossing the line in the final play of their preseason victory over Keighley Cougars.

That made sure the Tigers kept Keighley ineffective as they won 54-0 to start their season. The Tigers’ terrible season last year, which saw them rank eleventh in the Super League, was partly caused by having one of the poorest defences in the league and a consistent point leaker.

Turning the tide at the Jungle is Lingard’s job, and McShane’s late effort was exactly the kind of performance he wants to see from his team when the true tests come, when it will win cheers from supporters rather than jeers. If Webster had scored at the end, would Lingard have been upset? “Definitely, 100%.”

That’s the main point we’ve discussed during the preseason: having high standards and positive attitudes. Simply being superior. Both the club and the group must improve. We will take some steps forward and some back because we are aware that it won’t happen overnight. However, consistent improvement is what’s needed week after week and season after season, and this preseason friendly is a step in that direction, so maintaining high standards is crucial.

Lingard, however, was happy with youthful forward Sam Hall, who gave his team two assists during an impressive display. Hall, 21, participated in 16 games during the previous campaign, and Lingard claims he will likely play frequently this year.

“That’s him,” Lingard remarked. It involves figuring out the many combinations—all of the middles cannot perform in the same way. Someone else, like Westy, who is different and can play, is needed to do the cleanup job that folks like George Gryphon and George Lawler do, the things that people might not necessarily see.